The distraught father of a brilliant maths student killed on Flight MH17 yesterday accused Vladimir Putin of his murder.

Simon Mayne’s son Richard, 20, was one of ten Britons on the Malaysia Airlines jet downed by a missile in eastern Ukraine.

Fighting back tears, Mr Mayne said he had little doubt the Russian president was responsible for the loss of 298 lives. ‘If Putin wanted to speak out he would do so, he would sort them [the rebels] out,’ said the 53-year-old teacher and company director.

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Leeds University student Richard Mayne, pictured, from Leicester was going on an industrial placement

Mr Mayne, pictured, was studying maths and finance at Leeds University before boarding the flight

‘Everyone knows that what is going on out there is Russian sponsored. This is a man who rides bare-chested on a horse because he thinks people will admire him, but he’s murdered my son, essentially.’ Describing Mr Putin as aggressive, he backed suggestions that the Russian leader’s agents had been arming the Ukrainian separatists: ‘Everybody knows that you don’t buy these missiles at a corner shop.’

Mr Mayne’s son was studying maths and finance at Leeds University.

As the international crisis intensified, Britain and the United States openly blamed Russia for the atrocity. Samantha Power, the US ambassador to the UN, said Moscow’s troops may even have helped rebels fire the BUK missile that downed the jet.

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And David Cameron said Mr Putin bore responsibility for an ‘absolutely appalling, shocking, horrific incident…that cannot be allowed to stand’.

Barack Obama described Thursday’s attack as ‘an outrage of unspeakable proportion’ and said US intelligence suggested the Boeing 777 had been shot down by the missile fired from an area of eastern Ukraine controlled by pro-Moscow fighters.

The Malaysia Airlines jet was travelling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was hit over territory near Donetsk. The grim roll call of victims became clearer yesterday as rescuers continued the search of the crash site. The wreckage of the plane and bodies of the victims are scattered across fields 30 miles from the Ukrainian border with Russia.

The nationality of three passengers is yet to be established but one is understood to be Irish and another American.

Five more Britons on board the Boeing 777 were named yesterday. They are John Alder, 63, and Liam Sweeney, 28, two Newcastle United fans travelling to watch their team play in a pre-season tour of New Zealand; Glenn Thomas, 49, a spokesman for the World Health Organisation; Loughborough University student Ben Pocock, 20; and helicopter rescue pilot Cameron Dalziel.

Mr Dalziel, a 43-year-old father of two, is understood to be South African but travelling on a British passport.

In a day of rapid developments:

Pictures emerged of the missile launcher said to responsible for hitting MH17 apparently being driven toward Russia;

There were claims the Kremlin has obtained MH17’s black box flight recorders – forcing Russia’s foreign ministry to deny any plans to grab the vital devices;

Many of the passengers were travelling to an Aids conference in Melbourne and researchers said a cure ‘might have been on that plane’;

Ukraine’s prime minister launched a furious attack on Russia, demanding action to ‘bring to justice all these bastards who committed this international crime’;

It emerged that Virgin Atlantic had a packed Heathrow-bound airliner also flying over eastern Ukraine when MH17 was brought down.

Mr Mayne's former headmaster John Wood described his former pupil as 'an extremely pleasant and thoughtful young man. Richard had a great thirst for life and we wanted to make the world a better place'

An emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council in New York last night issued a call for a ‘full, thorough and independent international investigation’ into the crash.

Russia agreed but said ‘all blame’ for the incident lay with the government in Ukraine.

Britain’s ambassador to the UN, Sir Mark Lyall Grant, said Mr Putin’s decision to actively encourage and arm separatists in eastern Ukraine had sown the seeds of the disaster.

He said Russian citizens were leading the uprising, and accused Russia of supplying sophisticated weaponry, including tanks, missile launchers and artillery.

Sir Mark said the attack was a ‘dark moment for the international community’.

He added: ‘The United Kingdom urges Russia to reflect carefully on the situation they have created.

‘It is clear where responsibility lies – with the senseless violence of armed separatists and with those who have supported, equipped and advised them.’

Mr Mayne's father Simon said: 'It's such a beautiful sunny day but our lives have been torn apart'

NATIONAL IDENTITIES OF THE VICTIMS

Netherlands: 189

Malaysia: 44

Australia: 27

Indonesia: 12

UK: 10

Germany: 4

Belgium: 4

Philippines: 3

Canada: 1

New Zealand: 1

Irish: 1

American Citizen: 1

Mandy Hyde said: 'I was absolutely devastated to hear of this tragic news this morning. Richard was a fantastic, friendly, inspirational and very much loved student at The Dixie, words cannot express my sadness. The world is missing a very special young man, my thoughts go out to his family and all who will miss him so much.'

And Sophie Fellows posted: 'I cannot believe such a bubbly, caring, charismatic, big character like you has been taken from us. Still now, I feel speechless. You were an absolutely amazing guy, and a budding mathematician too, and it's such sad sad news. You will be missed by so many forever.'

Before attending Leeds University, Mr Mayne had attended The Dixie Grammar School in Market Bosworth, Leicester.

In March he raised more than £1,000 for a children's charity climbing to the Everest Base Camp as part of Leeds University RAG (raise and give).

His mother Elizabeth said: 'We are extremely busy and we are having a very hard time.'

His close friend Billy de Haven said: 'I have known him since he was three, it's so difficult.

'I'm just on my way over to see the family now. I really want to see them.

'It's come as such a shock because we've been best mates my whole life. We went right the way through school together. I don't know what to say.'

'Starting our new journey': Malaysian family of six perish on doomed flight hours after mother described her excitement at returning home following three years abroad

A family of six returning home for good after three years abroad were among the 298 victims it has emerged today.

Tambi Jiee, 49, his wife Ariza Ghazalee, 47, and their four children, Mohd Afif, 19, Mohd Afzal, 17, Marsha Azmeena, 15, and Mohd Afruz, 13, were travelling on the doomed airline passenger on their way back from Kazakhstan.

Mr Jijee had been working there as an oil executive for Shell.

Tragic: The Tambi family were returning home to Malaysia for good, three years after their father began work for Shell in Kazakhstan

Ariza's mother Jamillah Noriah, 72, told the Malaysia Star that she learnt of the tragedy at 1.30am when she was woken up by family members.

'I was asleep. I received a call from my children, saying they were outside my house,' Jamillah recounted. 'They told me. I cried. What can I do?'

Jamillah had spoken to Tambi and his family only hours before they perished. 'They called me from Amsterdam. It was a normal conversation.'

Mrs Noriah said she was excited for the family's arrival because they only came back to Malaysia 'three or four times a year'.

They would normally stay in Kuala Lumpur for a few days , but on this ocassion, they would be travelling straight to their home in the district of Kuching.

Mrs Ghazalee uploaded a photo of their luggage on Facebook moments before they checked onto the flight with the message saying: 'Starting our new hijrah (journey).'

The cover photo of 13-year-old Afruz's Facebook is a drawing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which vanished en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing in March.

'Any pilot accepts he might die in a plane crash, but to be shot down by terrorists fills one with anger': Fury of friend of South-African born British helicopter pilot

South African born British helicopter pilot Cameron Dalziel, 43, is the latest victim to be named in relation to the tragedy. Mr Dalziel, who was travelling on a British passport was flying back to Malaysia after undergoing training in Amsterdam.

His friend and co-pilot Chris Berlyn told You.co.za: 'Cameron was larger than life, He lived every day as if it was his last. Any pilot accepts that he might die in a plane crash, but to be shot down by terrorists fills one with anger.'

His moved to Malaysia in October with his wife Reine and their sons Sheldon, 14 and four-year-old Cruz after getting a job with CRC helicopters.

Cameron Dalziel, pictured, moved to Malaysia with his wife Reine and their two sons in October for work

He had previously worked as a helicopter rescue pilot in KwaZulu-Natal, a province of South Africa.

Mr Dalziel's brother-in-law, Shane Hattingh, said his sister Reine was so traumatised she has not been able to answer phone calls from anxious relatives, according to Eye Witness News.

He said: 'She is basically alone there other than with new friends. So she couldn't even talk to me. Apparently three people from the company were there with her. It's crazy, the kids are going to be absolutely shattered.

'It is understood Mr Dalziel had been sent for training in the Netherlands and was returning on yesterday's Malaysia Airlines flight when the plane was shot down over war-torn Ukraine.

Friends of the helicopter pilot, pictured, posted tributes to the married father-of-two on Twitter

Mr Cameron, pictured, had worked as a helicopter rescue pilot in his native South Africa

South African politician Stevens Mokgalapa, the shadow minister of international relations and cooperation, paid tribute to Mr Dalziel.

In a statement on the Democrat Alliance (DA) party's website, he said: 'The DA extends our deepest condolences to the family of Cameron Dalziel, a South African helicopter pilot who was one of the victims of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 crash yesterday.

'We also extend our condolences to the friends, family and loved ones of all others who died in this horrific tragedy.'

Neil Noble, an Australian helicopter paramedic, said on Twitter: 'Mourning tragic loss of one of world's best rescue helicopter pilots, Cameron Dalziel Great man, father, husband.'

A spokesman for CHC Helicopters said: 'We are aware that a CHC colleague from one of our bases in Asia may have been on the Malaysia Airlines flight and are awaiting confirmation from the airline.

'Until then, out of respect for loved ones and our team, we are not providing additional information.'

CHC Helicopter has its headquarters in Canada and operates in 30 countries around the world, including the Netherlands and the UK.

It specialises in transportation to offshore oil and gas platforms, civilian search and rescue and air medical evacuation services, and helicopter maintenance repair and overhaul.

'What has happened is an act of terrorism and Russia is to blame': Father of Newcastle fan killed on MH17 points finger at Vladimir Putin for death of his son

Liam Sweeney's father Barry has attacked Russian president Vladimir Putin who he blames for his son's death.

He described his son as being fanatical about Newcastle United and had even turned down the possibility of moving into management at his work because it would interfere with attending games.

The 28-year-old from Newcastle was on the flight travelling to New Zealand for a pre-season friendly.

Mr Sweeney said he had met several of his son's Newcastle United friends including John 'The Undertaker' Alder, who also died on the flight.

Liam Sweeney's grandparents David and Mavis Sweeney, his father Barry, standing rear and step mother Lesley, seated outside their home in Newcastle today, hours after being told the terrible news

Speaking from his home in Killingworth, Newcastle, Mr Sweeney, 52, said: 'I knew Liam was going to New Zealand and was taking off from Amsterdam around the same time as MH17 but I didn't put two and two together until I saw an emergency hotline number flash up on the screen.

'When I rang it because of language barriers I couldn't really understand butmy friend texted me early this morning and my worst fear was confirmed on NUFC.com this morning.

'Liam was happy and was full of life, he loved Newcastle, I thought I was a big fan until I compared myself to Liam and John.'

Liam Sweeney, third from left, pictured at his half-sister Tracey's wedding

Mr Sweeney continued: 'They bonded through their love of Newcastle, they were part of a big group of friends but only they could afford to go.

'Something has to be done about the situation in Ukraine as what has happened is an act of terrorism.

'Although Putin has tired to blame the Ukraine I think it is clear where the problem is and something has to be done. Russia has something to do with it and now we have lost a son because of it all.

'Why could they not have changed the flight plan for planes that were flying so close to a dangerous war zone?

Barry Sweeney, pictured with his wife Lesley, asked why was the Malaysian Airways jet flying over a war zone

'We want to remember Liam by what he loved most, Newcastle United. Myself and my wife Lesley will be going to look at the tributes at St James Park and lay our own.

'I think the reality hasn't sunk in for me. I keep thinking Liam will wake me up out of this dream and ask for the money to buy his next Newcastle ticket!

'He will be truly missed, he was a kind of lad who is never miserable. You think things like this will never affect you but then it does, it has come as a complete shock.'

Liam Sweeney, second right, with from left, John Liddle and Barry Sweeney with Dylan Sweeney right

He continued: 'He was doing something he loved.

'If he'd had to pick a way to go, following his team would have been it.

'The club said they are going to wear black arm bands for the next game. That means a lot.

'His life revolved around watching football. He never wanted to go into management in his job because he would have had to change shifts and that might have got in the way of his football.

'In a nutshell, Liam was probably one of the nicest kids you could ever meet. He never bothered anyone, and nobody ever bothered him."

Mr Sweeney and his wife Lesley, 53, tragically found out about their son's death when a friend told them to look at an internet fan forum on Thursday night.

Newcastle United fans have laid out replica jerseys in tribute to both Mr Sweeney and his friend Mr Alder

Mr Sweeney, who is a full-time carer to his wife, who suffers from terminal lung disease, added: 'We were at a funeral of a friend of my wife.

'We came away saying we hope we haven't got another for a while yet.

I hoped he wasn't on that flight, I hoped it was the wrong flight. I put in some calls abroad but they just didn't understand Geordie, I wasn't getting anywhere.

Mr Sweeney's father Barry

'A friend that was there sent a text to say "was your lad on the flight to Kuala Lumpur from Amsterdam" and I put the news on and saw what had happened.

'But I didn't know what flight he was on - he was one of those kids who just got on and did it.

'I hoped he wasn't on that flight, I hoped it was the wrong flight.

'I put in some calls abroad but they just didn't understand Geordie, I wasn't getting anywhere.

'I got a call from someone he works with him to go on to the website and I went on one of the NUFC fan sites and I saw he was named.

'I was just devastated. I'm devastated I found out like that, it's the wrong way round.

'The police came round later, and they were good and nice, but I was devastated to find out like that.'

Barry Sweeney said his son, Liam, pictured as a child, had died doing something that he loved

Mr Sweeney's friend Andrew Phillips said: 'I've known Liam for about three or four years, we were good mates we used to go to the away games together,' he said.

'He was a spot on kid, no bother at all, it's such a sad day.

'John hadn't missed a game in so many years and Liam was building up a reputation exactly like John going to all the games.

'It's totally devastating to find out what's happened to him.

'I'm sure he'll be looking down on us and will be proud that he has a memorial on Sir Bobby Robson's statue.

Mr Sweeney's father Barry said his son had turned down promotions at work as it would interfere with football

Liam Sweeney, second right, pictured with his brother Marc, left, Sean Donaldson, second left and his sister Victoria. His father Barry said: 'If he had to pick a way to go, following his team would have been it'

'He was no harm at all just a really good kid, it's a shocking day.'

His brother Marc added: 'Our Liam was such a lovely lad and a loyal Newcastle United fan, he loved that club, they were his everything. 'We all can't believe it, he was so happy when he managed to afford to go to New Zealand to follow his team- we've had some lovely messages from everyone that knew him.

'I think John took him under his wing, I didn't know him personally but I know he was a huge fan. I went to all of the Newcastle home games with Liam but he was so passionate that he travelled everywhere- he was at Oldham the other day and was going to go to Germany.'

Liam Sweeney, centre, pictured with step-mother Leslie, left and father Barry, right. Mr Sweeney said he was devastated that he found out about his son's death on the internet: 'It's just the wrong way around'

He added: ''I speak for all the family when I say we are devastated.

'We only found out through a friend texting me, I just can't believe it. He was loved by all of the Newcastle United community, he worked as a voluntary steward for away games for the Back Page, we have had phone calls from people telling us how great Liam was.

'We are going to go to the club and lay a shirt there in his name after the weekend. One of his sisters Lee is expecting, he was so excited to become and uncle again.

'Liam was a private lad and kept himself to himself, he will be sorely missed.'

Then a couple of days ago he wrote: 'Should be in bed. Recovering but I haven't packed yet and I leave in 18 hours.'

Ben's father Jeremy tweeted this morning to a friend of his son's: 'Sorry Robbie, Ben was on the Malaysian flight.'

Student Ben Pocock from Bristol was going on holiday to Australia after passing his university exams

He played for St Mary Redcliffe Cricket Club in Bristol, and teammates paid tribute to him on the club's Facebook page.

Graham Bell wrote: 'I can't believe it.

'Ben Pocock good fun loving bloke to young to be taken from his family and friends. Thoughts go out to his family.'

Ian Jones added: 'In absolute shock, so sad, never seen him not smiling or laughing.'

The university paid tribute to Mr Pocock, from Bristol, saying he was destined to achieve a first class honours degree.

Ben was an excellent student and on course to gain a first class degree. He was also a fine athlete, who played on the university athletic union's Ultimate Frisbee team and won their Player of the Year honour

Loughborough University

'We are incredibly saddened to hear that one of our students, Ben Pocock, was believed to be a passenger on flight MH17.

'Ben had just completed the second year of his international business BSc degree and was flying out to begin a professional placement and to study abroad at the University of Western Australia as part of his third year.

'Ben was an excellent student and on course to gain a first class degree. He was also a fine athlete, who played on the university athletic union's Ultimate Frisbee team and won their Player of the Year honour.'

The spokeswoman added: 'We are in contact with Ben's family and are offering them all the support we can. We are also providing support for the university's staff and students.

'Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Ben's family and friends, and with all those who have lost family and friends in the crash.'

'Twins for ever my dear brother. I love you': Heartfelt tributes from family of World Health Organisation worker who took doomed plane on his way to AIDS conference

Glenn Thomas, 49, was on the flight because he was travelling to Australia to attend a conference on AIDS on behalf of the World Health Organisation.

His twin sister said she has not slept since receiving the news of her brother's death.

Tracey Withers, from Blackpool, Lancashire, said she was 'crying in limbo' since discovering her brother's death.

Mrs Withers and her brother had recently buried their father Raymond who died earlier this year.

He was working in Geneva, Switzerland at the time where he had moved ten years ago to work for the World Health Organisation, and later the UN.

Glenn Thomas, pictured, was travelling to Melbourne with the World Health Organisation aboard MH17

Mr Thomas, whose father died only a few weeks ago, is seen posing with the World Cup trophy

Hours before the flight he posted on Facebook of a 'long day's journey into night' before boarding an Air France plane from Geneva to Amsterdam, where he connected to the doomed flight to Kuala Lumpur.

Mr Thomas' family had to wait for confirmation he was on board after hearing of the crash, then received the dreaded news late last night.

His twin sister, Tracey Withers, who still lives in Blackpool changed her profile photograph on Facebook to a picture of herself and her brother as babies dressed in matching pink and blue costumes.

Her son, Jordan Withers also changed his Facebook profile picture as a tribute to Mr Thomas. Mr Withers was photographed with his uncle after his graduation from the University of Geneva.

It's hard to describe because he just treated me like a son and he was my best friend. If I had a problem, he'd always help me out in terms of work.

Mr Thomas' nephew Jordan Withers

Speaking from his home in Blackpool, Mr Withers said: 'He was my best mate.

'We can't believe it. I'm in shock.'

Mr Withers confirmed that after hearing the devastating news his mother is returning from a holiday in Spain.

He said: 'My mum gets home from holiday late tonight so we want to leave it for a bit before we say anything.'

Mr Withers continued: 'He used to be late for flights all the time. He was so laid back so we thought this one time he's probably been late again.

'He was that kind of lucky person but then he was so excited to go to Australia because that was the one place in the world he's never been before.

'I lived with him in Geneva for seven months. I've just come back from living with him.

'We went skiing together - something we've always wanted to do. He'd never done it before.

'It's hard to describe because he just treated me like a son and he was my best friend.

'If I had a problem, he'd always help me out in terms of work. He helped me get some of these amazing internships and put me in touch with people.

She later posted: 'twins for ever my dear younger bro seeing I was born before you 2 mins xx

love you x.'

Mr Thomas posted on Faceboook hours before his death that he was facing a 'long day's journey into the night'

Mr Thomas' former colleague Rob Underdown said: 'He was a journalist with a great nose for a story.

'He was a larger than life character and really popular in the office, just a great guy. We used to call in the Tippex King because every piece of copy he filed was so full of it.

'When the office first got Apple Macs we all bought him a bottle of Tippex for a joke.

'He was a very fit guy, always swimming and skiing. How the hell have they got these missiles.

'I remember a lot of silly things and I remember when he dressed up as the Joker for Comic Relief.

'That suited him perfectly and we kidnapped the Mayor of Blackpool to raise money.

'If the world was full of Glenn Thomas's it would be a much better place.

'He was a very sociable guy, he always had parties and BBQs and invited everyone round.

'It's an absolute shock, there will be a lot of people at his funeral.'

Mr Thomas was a keen Blackpool FC fan and went to watch the Tangerines play as often as he could, according to Mr Underdown.

Mr Thomas, centre, lived in Geneva for the past 10 years having earlier worked as a journalist with the BBC

Close friend Steve Mannion, 50, described Glenn, who lived in Geneva with his partner Claudio, as an 'incredibly warm' man. Mr Mannion said: 'I met Glenn when I was in my 20s at the Galleon Bar in Blackpool and he was a very pleasant guy.

'We just got chatting as you do with a few drinks and I could tell straight away that he was a genuinely nice guy.

'We've been fantastic friends ever since and despite living in Geneva, he's always kept his Blackpool roots.

'It's a tragic loss for everyone who knew him because he's was such a sociable and friendly person.

Mr Mannion said 'Glenn's sister Tracey was on holiday in Spain when the crash happened.

'She's due to travel back to the UK tonight. I'm absolutely devastated for her as they'd recently lost their father while their mother passed away a few years ago.

'Tracey is a wonderful person and Glenn is leaving behind his niece Brittany and nephew Jordan.

'I just feel so much for his family, colleagues and other friends because he'll leave a big hole in their lives.'

The World Health Organsation confirmed on their official Twitter account that Mr Thomas was on board the flight.They wrote: 'We lost one of our colleagues, Glenn Thomas, on the Malaysian Airlines #MH17 that crashed yesterday.

'He will be greatly missed #RIPGlennWHO.

'A CURE FOR AIDS MIGHT HAVE BEEN ON THAT PLANE'

A cure for Aids ‘might have been on that plane’, researchers claimed last night.

Dozens of the world’s top scientists involved in research into the condition were passengers on the disaster jet.

The leading doctors and researchers were heading to the Aids 2014 conference in Melbourne to discuss progress in tackling the disease.

Aids consultant Trevor Stratton said: ‘The cure for Aids may have been on that plane, we just don’t know. You can’t just help but wonder about the kind of expertise on that plane.’

The conference is due to start tomorrow. Bill Clinton is among the keynote speakers.

One of those on board MH17 was Dutch researcher Joep Lange, considered a ‘giant’ in the field after more than three decades researching Aids.

Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust, described his death as ‘a great loss to global health research’.

Mr Farrar said: ‘I am deeply saddened that Joep Lange, his partner Jacqueline van Tongeren, and other colleagues from the World Health Organisation and the HIV research community are reported to be among those killed in the MH17 disaster.’

'He was a lovely man who was Newcastle-mad': Tributes to football fan who only missed one match since 1973 and was known as 'The Undertaker' because of the smart suit he always wore

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew led tributes to Mr Alder and Mr Sweeney.

He said: 'Myself and all the players are deeply shocked and saddened by this terrible news.

'We all knew how passionately John and Liam supported the team and the club.

'They were with us just earlier this week for our first pre-season friendly against Oldham and their dedication to travel all the way around the world to support us in New Zealand tells you all you need to know about the passion they had for Newcastle United.

'Our hearts go out to their families and friends.'

John Alder, pictured, was known by Newcastle United fans as 'The Undertaker' due to his unusual attire

Mr Alder, 63, known to fans as John ‘The Undertaker’, is believed to have been making his way to New Zealand to watch the Magpies in their pre-season tour.

Mr Alder, of Gateshead, believed to be in his 60s, was well-known among Toon fans as he always wore a suit to the game.

The Newcastle fan has only ever missed one game since 1973 and travels to every away match. He has been to America, Thailand and New Zealand to watch his beloved team.

Before the flight Mr Alder had made his way from Amsterdam before boarding the flight destined for Kuala Lumpur.

I have known him for about 40 years. We all knew him as 'the Undertaker' because he always wore a black suit and white shirt to every match.

Margaret Bambra on Mr Adler

Tributes have began to pour in for the former BT worker, who was also known for his mullet-style haircut.

His neighbour Margaret Bambra, 66, said: 'I have known him for about 40 years. We all knew him as "the Undertaker" because he always wore a black suit and white shirt to every match.

'He was a very quiet guy who kept himself to himself, never bothering anyone.

'He would take a parcel for you if I was not there but you never really saw him.

'He was a lovely guy, never bothering anyone. He went to every game, he never missed a match. He was Newcastle-mad.

'He was a lovely man who kept himself to himself and you always saw him doing his garden.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew led the tributes: 'Their dedication to travel all the way around the world to support us in New Zealand tells you all you need to know about the passion they had for Newcastle United'

A worker at the Newcastle United memorabilia shop close to St James' park said: 'We are all completely in shock. I knew John really well from all of the matches.

'John must hold the record for the most games ever attended by a fan. I remember him boasting that he hasn't missed a Newcastle match since 1973. That's pretty good for a man in his 50s!

'It shows how passionate he was that he was on a flight to New Zealand to

see his beloved team play.

'John was nicknamed The Undertaker because he had a tight group of friends and he would attend all the matches in a black suit and white shirt. This news is just unbelievable we are completely shocked.'

Newcastle United fans began sending floral tributes to honour Mr Alder and Mr Sweeney who died in the crash

Another worker, who did not want to be named, added: 'John and Liam's death will leave a massive hole in the Newcastle community. They both loved their club so much.

'I met Liam a few times when he was a steward on the away buses. He was a lovely lad and I just can't believe he's gone.

'In a way, it's lucky there weren't other fans on the flight - Newcastle has a huge following and so many will be travelling over to New Zealand, I would if I could afford it.

'We are in complete shock. I hope the club comes out and pays tribute to them because they deserve it. They were two lovely men.'

A tribute on the NUFC.com website said: 'Both were well known to away followers, particularly John, whose usual match day attire led to the affectionate nickname of 'The Undertaker'.

'Both were in attendance at Oldham on Tuesday, doing what they loved. Our thoughts are with their friends, families and the many fans who knew them by sight.

'Watching Newcastle will never be the same again.'

Mr Adler's neigbour Margaret Bambra said: 'I have known him for about 40 years. We all knew him as 'the Undertaker' because he always wore a black suit and white shirt to every match, he was Newcastle mad'

Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul paid a tribute to John Alder and Liam Sweeney on Twitter this morning

Fanzine writer Steve Wraith said: 'It’s shocking news and a huge loss to Newcastle United. He went to every single home and away game.

'John was a permanent fixture at Newcastle United. It’s so sad that he’s lost his life in such tragic circumstances. I just can’t comprehend it.

'He has died doing something he loved - travelling to watch his team Newcastle United. My thoughts are with his family.'

Editor of the Mag Mark Jensen said: 'He was infamous among Newcastle fans.'He always wears a suit to the games and everyone knew him.

'It really brings home how small the world is. My thoughts are with all his friends and family and those closest to him.'It’s shocking for Newcastle United.

He was just following his team and doing what he loved and he was caught up in this major tragedy. That is something quite hard to take in.

Little angels who didn't come back

By LIZ HULL and ELEANOR HARDING

Two Indonesians aged just three and five who were flying with their parents, as well as three Australian children headed home with their grandfather, numbered among the 298 dead after Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over rebel-held Ukraine yesterday.

Also on board the doomed flight were around 100 Aids experts on their way to an international conference, a Catholic nun from Australia and a British university student.

Child victims: Three grandchildren, Mo Maslin, 12, (left), his brother Otis, eight, (centre) and sister Evie Maslin, 10, (right) were killed on the flight along with their grandfather Nick Morris

The nationalities of more victims were confirmed today - with the toll now including 189 Dutch, 44 Malaysians, 27 Australians, 12 Indonesians a

Three passengers are yet to be verified. No victims are thought to be U.S. citizens.

The Boeing 777 aircraft was travelling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was hit by a sophisticated surface-to-air missile over territory near Donetsk held by pro-Russian rebels who the Ukrainian government says are backed by the Kremlin. Russian President Vladimir Putin has blamed Ukraine for the attack

The plane was shot down in an 'act of terrorism', killing all 298 passengers and crew on board, including three Australian children, aged between eight and 12, who were travelling with their grandfather.

Entrepreneur: Fatima Dyczynski, the founder of data company Xoterra Space, is thought to have been on board. Her parents are believed to be Australian

Astrid Hornikx and Bart Lambregts, both in their early 30s, had only just met and were flying to Kuala Lumpur for a romantic break

John Paulissen, his wife Yuli Hastini and two children, Martin Arjuna Paulissen, five and Sri Paulissen, three

Nick Norris, 68, from Perth, Australia, was flying on the service with his grandchildren Mo, 12, Evie, 10, and Otis Maslin, eight, when it was shot down at around 16.00 BST yesterday.

The family had been on holiday and the children’s parents had remained in Amsterdam for a few extra days, but Mr Norris took his grandchildren on MH17 to get them back to Australia in time for school, Australian broadcasters reported.

Mr Norris’s son Brack, 24, paid tribute to his father, niece and nephews.‘I’m a bit dizzy right now,’ he told MailOnline in Australia.

The family had been on holiday and the children’s parents had remained in Amsterdam for a few extra days, but Mr Norris took his grandchildren on MH17 to get them back to Australia in time for school, Australian broadcasters reported.

Mr Norris, the managing director of management consulting firm Collaborative Systemic Change Pty Ltd, is survived by his son Brack, who is the company's marketing manager, and daughter Kirstin, a marine engineer with the Royal Australian Navy. He was a well-known member of the South Perth Yacht Club.

Pilot: Eugene Choo Jin Leong was flying MH17 when it was shot down. Malaysia Airlines has described him as one of their most trusted pilots